At the elite level, the local running scene remains as competitive as ever, but there has been a shift in emphasis among casual runners in recent years: less about posting personal records, more about social interaction.
Read more There is no place like Denver-Boulder to enjoy the competitive and social aspects of running
That side of the sport is well served by a wealth of local running clubs that cater to runners of all shapes, sizes, ages and goals.
“I think it’s become something you do not only to get your exercise in, but you’re realizing, ‘This is fun. Let’s go out and do it with friends. Let’s make this a social evening,”’ said Colfax Marathon chief executive Andrea Dowdy. “Running has become a very inclusive sport. It is no longer just about, ‘I want to get a PR.’ It’s, ‘I want to go out and have some fun with my friends, maybe go out (after a group run) for a bite to eat or a beverage.’”
Bolder Boulder race director Cliff Bosley has noticed that dynamic in his own family, which has stewarded Colorado’s largest road race since its inception in 1979.
“My daughter, who is 28, has said that running is the best way to meet people because it’s sharing fitness, an interest in being outdoors, being active and healthy, and finding like-minded people,” Bosley said.
Below is a short list of long-established clubs in the greater Denver area. For more, check out the Colfax Marathon website:
The Rocky Mountain Road Runners is the oldest running club in Denver with roots reaching back to 1959. RMRR is best known for its Trophy Series, a series of monthly races at various distances with a handicap system. That is, after establishing their handicap, the slowest runners start first, and the fastest runners go off last. In theory, it gives everyone a chance to “win” by reaching the finish line first. Racers also accumulate points through the year, based on their finish results, for season-ending trophies. Races are free for members. The annual membership fee is $50 ($75 for a family). Membership also comes with discounts at other races and running stores.
The Boulder Road Runners, founded in 1979, caters to serious competitors and casual recreational runners alike. It supports competitive teams in road racing, cross country and track. In the summer, it hosts a series of five All-Comers track and field meets on the track at the University of Colorado, which has produced several Olympic runners over the years, as well as the Mile High Mile, one of BRR’s signature events. It also hosts casual Sunday morning group runs. Individual memberships are $35 annually ($50 for families).
Denver Trail Runners, founded in 2000, was Denver’s first trail running club. Members meet for runs year-round on Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings, usually in the foothills. Locations include Golden, Evergreen, Morrison, Deer Creek, White Ranch, North Table Mountain and Centennial Cone. There is no membership fee. The best way to get more information is to check them out on Facebook or Strava.
Trail Sisters Golden is a women’s trail running club that welcomes runners of all paces and abilities. The group hosts “no-drop runs” (meaning nobody gets left behind) on Thursdays at 6:15 p.m., generally covering three to six miles, followed by hangouts at local breweries or restaurants. “Focused on camaraderie as much as miles, Trail Sisters welcomes anyone looking to build community on the trails,” said club leader Brit Sliter. Weekly run locations, mileage, and details can be found on their website.
Another club for women, the Colorado Columbines, dates back to 1978. It organizes Saturday and Sunday group runs, weekly track workouts led by a paid professional coach, group trips to out-of-state races and themed fun runs. Memberships cost $40. “We have 20-year-olds that are coming out here for racing, and we have a lady who is 87 who is fighting liver cancer,” said club president Liz Couture. “Welcoming all ages makes it so you can join the club and stay in it. There’s always a group, whether you’re competitive or you’re just out there to walk and (enjoy) socializing.”
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